Machine for stamping and sealing envelops.



Patented lune 27, |899. L. M. NIELSEN.

MACHINE FUR STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELOPS.

(Application led Dec. 1, 1897.)

s sham-sheet l.

(No Model.)

No. 627,590. Patented .lune 27, |899.

L. M. NIELSEN.

MACHINE FOR STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELDPS.

(Application tiled Dec. 1, 1897.) (No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 2.`

W/ TNESS /IVVEN 70H A from/Emi "0,627,590. Patented June 27,1899. L. M.NIELSEN.

MACHINE FOR STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELOPS.

(pplication led Dec. 1, 1897,) (No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 3.

WITNESS /NVENTR Arron/:Erf

-- 1n: Nonms versus co. Pno'mumm. wAsmNoTcN. n, cA

No. 627,590. Patented lune- 27, |899. L. M. NIELSEN.

MACHINE FUR STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELUPS.

(Application led Dec. 1, 1897.)

ml 6W" No. 627,590. Patented June 27, |899.

L L. M. NIELSEN.

MACHINE FOR STAMPING AND SELING ENVELDPS.

(Appliction'med nec. 1, 1997.)

(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 5.

WITNESS INVENTUR 1w: mams Parana no. PNoTuuwo.. wAsHxNGToN, o. c.

No. 627,590. Patented June 27,1899.

L. M. NIELSEN.

MACHINE FOR STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELOPS.

(Application Sled Dec. 1, 1897.)

WITNESS NVENTUI? mi Ncmms PEfERs co. vnoaumo., wAsNms'roN, D. c.

NrrnDv ISrlrrias LAURITS M. NIELSEN, OF NEV YORK, N. Y.

PATENT OFFICE.

MACHINE FOR STAM-PING AND SEALING ENVLOPS SPECIFICATION forming part ofLetters Patent No. 627,590, dated J' une 27, 1899. Application filedDecember l, 1897. Serial No. 660,362'. (No model.)

To all whom, t may concern:

Beit known that I, LAURITS M. NIELSEN, a citizen of the United States,residing at New York, (Brooklym) in the county of Kings and State of NewYork, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ma-v itsobject to provide a simple and improved automatic machine of thischaracter which will effectively operate in one continuous movement toseal the envelop, apply the stamp, and eject the sealed and stampedenvelop. l

The invention is-fully disclosed in the following specification, ofwhich the accompanying drawings form a part, in which the separate partsof my improvements are designated by the same numerals of reference ineach of the views, and in' which- Figure 1 is a side elevation,'partlyin sec, tion, of a machine embodying my improve-l ments. Fig. 2' is anend elevation, partly inv section. section, taken from the end oppositethat shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a top or plan view,I partly in section.Fig. 5 is an inverted plan view showing the under side, and Fig. 6 is adetail sectional viewtaken through and on the plane ofv the dampeningmechanism.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates a table or platform upon whichthe envelops are placed and which carries both above and beneath it theoperating mechanism. This platform is suitably elevated upon standardsor supports 2.

The envelops are placed upon the front central portion of the table orplatform in front of and with their top edge against alongitudinally-arranged hinged sealing ap or leaf 3, the envelop-napbeing turned up against the front face of said leaf. The leafis hingedat its bottom edge, as at 4, to the table or platform and serves thedouble purpose of a medium for sealing the envelop-ap and a guide in theplacing of the envelop in position. To further facilitate the placing ofthe Fig. 3 is an end elevation, partly inI envelops with relation tovariations in the length or size of the same, I provide an adjustableguide 5 at a point in front of and with relation to the right-hand endof the hinged leaf 3, which guide may consist of a platehaving an upturned end 6, against which the edgeof the envelop may b e set andprovided with a longitudinal slot 7 in which is accommodated a set-screw8, projecting from the table 1.

At the rear of the table or platform is provided an upright frame 9,having bearings 10 for vertically-operating plungers 11 11, conjointlycarried upon the respective ends of a plunger-frame 12, which isarranged in approximately parallel position with relation to the hingedleaf 3. This plunger-frame preferably comprises a top cross-head 13,forming a handle by which it may be depressed, and a lower cross bar orbrace 14, extending between the plunger-rods 11 11 at a pointintermediatelyvof the bearings of the latter, and coiled springs 15 15are arranged between said cross-bar land the bearing-frame, the springsbeing of sufficient tension to return the plunger-frame and itsconnected operative mechanism in normal position after the pressure onthe downstroke is released.

The right-hand plunger-rod is relatively short and terminates at a pointabove the table or platform, while the left-hand plungerrod is longerand projects through an opening 16 in the platform or table to a pointbeneath the latter. The stamp feeding and afxing mechanism is arrangedbeneath the table and is operated by the long plunger-rod, While themoistening device for the flap of the envelop, the moistening device forthe stamp, and the sealing-leaf mechanism are arranged above the tableand are operated by the short plunger-rod, the ejecting mechanism beingconnected with the sealing-leaf mechanism and arranged beneath thetable, but projecting through the same, all as hereinafter fully setforth.

17 designates a bell-crank lever, which is fulcrumed, as at 1S, in asuitable bracket 19, projecting from the table or platform. Thebell-crank lever occupies a vertical position between the plunger` rodsand is approximately in parallel relation to the plungerframe,and itsoutwardly-proj ecting top arm 20 IOO has an angular slot engaging aforwardly-projecting pin 21 upon the right-hand plungerrod.

The return movement of the plunger-frame after its downward stroke maybe limited by the engagement of either the cross-bar 14 or top arm ofthe bell-crank lever with the bearing-frame or in any other suitablemanner to prevent disengagement of the plunger mechanism from itsbearing-frame.

The angular slot in the top arm of the bellcrank lever comprises astraight or horizon- Vtal portion 22, from which' extends downwardly atan approximately vertical angle an end portion 23. The pin 21 preferablyprojects at an angle with relation to the plungerframe and toward thecentral part of. the hinged leaf 3, and to facilitate the direct andproper engagement of the top arm of the bellcrank lever with this pinsaid arm may be turned at an angle, as shown in Fig. 4. The pin 2l isthus projected at an angle by reason of the fact that it operates themechanism which depresses the hinged leaf 3, which mechanism extendsfrom the short plungerrod mechanism at an angle to the central portionof said hinged leaf.

The lower arm 24 of the bell-crank lever is provided at its lowei endwith a horizontal foot-piece 25, )rejecting toward the short plunger-rodand provided with a longitudinal slot 26, which is in transverserelation to theplane of movement of said bell-crank lever and receives avertical pin 27 upon the rear end 28 of a horizontally-arranged swingingbar or lever29, fulcrumed, as at 30, upon the table or platform 1 at apoint in front of the bell-crank-lever mechanism. This lever 29 carriesthe envelop-Ilap-moistening devices and is of right-angular constructionin front of its fulcrum, as at 31, so that its horizontal outer arm iselevated to a plane above the horizontal leaf 3 and will swing over thesame in the operation of the machine.

The mechanism for moistening the envelop in the operation of sealing theflap comprises a vertical holder 32, carrying at its bottom a pad 33, offelt or other absorbent material, said pad being approximately on theplane of the top surface of the platform or table and being adapted totravel over the back surface of the envelop when the latter is inposition for the purpose of moistening the same preparatory to thesealing of the iiap. The holder` 32 is carried in this swinging movementby a carriage 34, adapted to travel upon a suitably-elevated track 35.This carriage preferably comprises a bottom or base piece 36, from whichprojects a vertical pin 37, carrying a horizontally-arran ged groovedfriction wheel or roller 38, which operates between two cylindricalrails or rods 39 39, comprising the track 35, and from the bottom 36extend sides 40 40, projecting upwardly at each side of said track andcarrying transversely-mounted rollers 41 41 at each track. By thisconstruction and arrangement the carriage is firmly retained in truehorizontal position during its travel upon the track and is adaptedtomove freely thereon. The top end of the vertical pin 37 engages alongitiulinally-arranged slot 42 in the outer end of the lever 29, sothat said leverswings the carriage in its full line of movement.

The track is suitably elevated upon blocks or supports 43 43 and extendslongitudinally in a straight line in front of the hinged leaf 3 and iscurved rearwardlyaround the left-hand end of the leaf, the purpose ofthis curved end terminal being to bring the moistcning device carried bythe carriage into connection with the water-feeding devices hereinafterdescribed.

From the foregoing description it will he understood that when theplunger is depressed the bell-crank lever 17 will be caused to swingupon its fulcrum by engagement of the pin 21 with the straight portion22 of the slot in the top arm of the lever, and as the lower arm of saidbell-crank lever swings toward the left-hand side of the machine the pin27 of the lever 29 will be engaged by the transverse slot 26 in thefoot-piece of the bell-crank lever, and thus cause the lever 29 to swingaround in front of and over the hinged leaf 3, carrying with it in itsmovement the carriage and its moistcning devices. The springactuatedreverse movement of the plunger' mechanism will return the mechanism tonormal position. It will be understood that the envelop is placed facedownward upon the table', so that the moistcning-pad 33 travels over itsback surface, while a corner of its front face is adapted to bemoistened from below to enable the aixing of the stamp.

The mechanism for moistcning the envelop to enable the aflixing of thestamp comprises an 4arm 44, having its end pivotally connected, as at45, with the bottom portion of the lower arm of the bell-crank lever 17.This pivoted arm 44 projects in horizontal position from its pivottoward the left-hand side of the machine and in a position approximatelyparallel to the bell-crank lever, anditis provided at its outer end withan approximately rightangular slot 46, engaged by anupwardly-projectingpin 47 upon a lever-bar4S,fulcrumed, as at 49, inhorizontal position upon the table. This lever-bar 48 is provided withan angular outer end 50, projecting downwardly and accommodated in asegmental slot 51 in the table l, and from its angular outercnd projectsa horizontal finger 52, carrying a pad 53 of fibrous or other absorbentmaterial, which is accommodated in a segmental slot or opening 54 in thetable 1, the right-hand end of which opening terminates a short distancebeyond the left-hand end of the hinged leaf 3. The outer end of thelever-bar 43 thus swings in a segmental line of movement between thewater-feedin g devices and the terminal righthand end of the segmentalopening 54, with end, which rollers bear upon the top of the I its pad53 projecting upwardly to approxi- IOO IIO

mately the plane of the top surface of the table, and in this movementthe pad will meisten the corner of the face of the envelop to which thestamp is to be affixed, which corner, when the envelop is in positionupon the table with its face down, will be exposed at the end of theopening 54'.

The pad 53 projects both above and below its carrying-arm 52, so thatits bottom comes in contact with a wick or feeder 55, arranged in areservoir 56, arranged beneath the table or platform at the rear end ofthe segmental opening 54. This reservoir may comprise a body portion 57,in which the water is contained, and have a raised end portion 58,forming a platform,-upon which the wick or feeder 55 may be folded intoposition for contact with the bottom edge of the pad 53. It will beunderstood that the wateris fed to the pad 53, so that the latter iskept in suitably-moistened condition. Vhen the mechanism is in normalposition, the pad 33 ofthe flap-moistening mechanism will be in contactwith the top edge of the pad'53, and thus be suitably moistened by thelatter. Y

A recess 59 may be provided in the under side of the table, at the frontterminus of the opening 54, to accommodate the pad 53 after it haspassed beyond the end of said opening.

In the operation of the mechanism when the plunger is depressed thelever-bar 48 will remain stationary until the carriage 34 has passed thefront end of the opening 54 and reached a point in front of the hingedleaf 3, during which time the pivoted arm 44 moves independently of thelever-bar 48 by reason of the longitudinal slot 46; but as soon as thepin 47 engages with the end of said slot 46 the lever-bar 48 is swungupon its pivot, so that its outer end carrying the pad describes asegmental movement and moistens the under surface of the envelop at itsedge. The Iiap and stamp. moistening mechanisms are relatively returnedto normal position by the springactuated return lnovements of theplunger and the angular slot 46 permits free play of the lever-arm 48 indescribing either of the movements during its operation.

The stamp-feeding mechanism embodies feed-rollers 60, journaled oneabove the other in a suitable frame 6l at the under side of the platformand at a point adjacent to the front end of the slot or opening` 54.These feed-rollers are in transverse relation to the hinged leaf 3 andbetween them a strip ofst-amps is adapted to be fed from a suitableguide-incline 62, extending from the top surface of the table at itsleft-hand end. The stamp-strip passes from between the feedrollersthrough slots 63 in the top Walls of a rectangular plunger-box 64,vertically mounted in the frame Gl at a point directly beneath-- thefront end of the opening 54. This plunger-box corresponds in itstransverse dimensions to a single stamp, and within it operates avertically-movable plunger 65, which is adapted to carry the stamp fromthe plungerbox and operate in conjunction withthe hinged leaf 3 to affixthe same in position upon the envelop.

For the purpose of feeding single stamps consecutively to the box G4 agear-wheel 6G is mounted upon a shaft-67, bearing in the frame 61 inparallel relation 'to the feed-rollers 60, and upon the rearfaceof saidgearlwheel are provided laterally-projecting pins 68, equidistantlyarranged in an annular series surrounding the hub or bearing. Thearrangement of said pins is relatively such that travel of thegear-wheel 66 a distance corresponding to the space between each pinwill move the stamp-feeding mechanism a sufficient distance to carry thestamp into position upon the plunger65, said gear-wheel G6 being engagedby a pinion G9 upon the shaft 70 of the lower feed-roll 60.

The feed-rolls may have their peripheral surfaces formed of rubber orother elastic or hard material. It will be understood that in a verticaloperation of the plunger 65 it will automatically cut or tear the stampat its perforated edge to separate the same from the strip of stampswhich is fed from the incline 62. A fiat spring 71, having a curved freeend, as at 7 2, is arranged to bear against and with relation to thelateral pins 68 and successively engage the same, but at the same timepermit of their release when the gearwheel 66 is operated. This springmay project from the under side of the reservoir-box 56, and it servesto retain the gear-Wheel (36 and the stamp-feeding mechanism in lockedposition during the intervals between its successive operation.

The stamp-feeding gear is intermittently operated by means of a lever73, fulcrumed, as at 74, in a suitable bracket 75, depending from theunder side of the table l, this lever being arranged to extendtransversely with respect to the table and in a position at right anglesto the main plunger-frame 12 and the gear-Wheel 66. The free front endof the lever 7 3 carries a pivoted catch 7 6, adapted to engage the pins68 on the upstroke of the lever to carry the gear-wheel 66 in a partrevolution against the tension of its governingspring7l, said catchbeing adapted to pass from engagement with the pin when the desiredextent of movement of the gear-wheel has been attained. To hold thecatch 7G in fixed position during the upstroke of the lever, it isprovided with a rear end lip 77,

IOO y IIO adapted to engage a shoulder 78 on the end at its lower endwith a laterally-projecting pin 82, engaging an angular slot 83 in therear end of the lever 73. l

It will be understood from the foregoing description that on thedownstroke of the lnain plunger-frame 12 the lever 73 will be operatedsimultaneously with the movement of the flap and stamp moistcningmechanisms to turn the gear-wheel GG and cause a stamp to be fed intoposition above the stam p-plun ger G5, and that in the reverse movementof the springactuated main plunger the said lever 73 will be returned tonormal position.

The stamp-plunger G5 is operated by a lcver S4, fulcrumed, as at S5,upon a bracket 86, depending from the under side of the table. The lever84 extends in parallel position with relation to the lever 73, and it isprovided with a slotted front end, as at 87, engaging a transverse piuSS, carried by the stamp-plunger 65, the front end of said lever beingadapted to travel in a vertical slot S0 in the rear wall of theplunger-box G-l. The rear end of the lever S4 is provided with anangular slot 90, engaging a lateral pin 91 upon the bottom end of thelong plunger-rod 11 at the left-hand side of the machine.

The slot 00 in the stamp-plunger lever Si is arranged in approximatelyreverse position with relation to the slot 83 in the lever 73 of thestamp-feed m echanism,and both of said levers are operated on thedownstroke of said long plunger-rod. Therefore in the simultaneousoperation of the different mechanisms by the downstroke of the main plunger-f rames while the lever 73 is being operated upon its pivot to causeits front end to rise and turn the stamp-feeding mechanism and while theflap and stamp moistening mechanisms are performing their operations thelever S4 remains stationary, during which time the pin 91 travels in thebase of the top angle of the slot 90. Then when said three mechanisms-towit,the stamp-feeding, flap-moistening, and stampmoistening devices-havecompleted their functional operation the pin 91 bears in the lower wingor angle of the slot to force the rear end of the lever 84 downwardlyand correspoudingly raise its front end, so that the stamp-plunger riseswithin and from the plunger-box G4 and aflixes the stamp to themoistened cornerof the envelop. This latter operation of aiiixing thestamp is accomplished by the plunger in connection with a simultaneousoperation of the hinged leaf 3, as will be hereinafter described.

The stamp-plunger mechanism returns to normal position simultaneouslywith the mechanisms on the spring-actuated return stroke of the mainplunger.

The hinged leaf 3 is adapted to be turned downwardly to press the flapof the envelop against the surface which has been moistened by the pad33, and thus seal the envelop, this operation being simultaneous withthe operation of the stamp-aliixing plunger. The hinged leaf is thusoperated by an arm 92,

lment to normal position.

which is arranged at an angle on a line bctween the central portion ofthe hinged leaf y and the short plunger-rod at the right-hand side ofthe machine. The front end yof said arm 02 is pivotally connected, as at93, to the back of the hinged leaf, while its rear end is pivoted, as at94, to a vertically-mounted lever 95, fulcrumcd,.as at 9G, to a standardor bracket 07, projecting from the platform or table 1. The arm 02 maybe curved downwardly and rearwardly, as shown, and a coiled spring 0Sextends between the pivotcd-arm mechanism 92 and 95 to a lixed portionof the platform or table to return said mechanism to normal positlon.

The pivoted arm 95 is provided at a point in rear of and above itsfulcrum 06 with a shoulder or projection 99, adapted to be engaged bythe lateral pin 2l. upon the plungerrod 1l to throw the lower portion ofthe lever 05 forwardly, and thus cause the pivoted arm 92 to force thehinged leaf 3 downwardly into llat or horizontal position.

The relative construction and arrangement are such that the pin v2l doesnot engage the shoulder of the lever 95 on the downstroke of the mainplunger mechanism until the flapmoistening,the stam p-1noistening,andstampfeed mechanisms have virtually completed their movement. When theflap-moistening devices have passed beyond the hinged leaf 3, the latterwill be forced forwardly and downwardly simultaneously with the upwardmovement of the stamp aiiixing plunger. Upon the release of pressureupon the main plunger mechanism the hinged-leaf mechanism immediatelyreturns to normal position by action of the spring 08 (this movementbeing simultaneous with the return of the stampafixing plunger to normalposition) before the other mechanisms start their return move- Incarrying out this function the pin 21 will travel upwardly in the lowerwing or angle 23 of the angular slot in the top arrn ofthe bell-cranklever 17 during the return movement of the hingedleaf mechanism, so thatno power will be exerted upon the bell-crank level' up to this point inthe movement or operation.

The ejecting mechanism is connected with the mechanism for operating thehinged leaf 3, and for the purposes of this connection the lever 95 hasits lower end extended below the platform or table 1,`as at 100, whichextended end operates in a slot 101 in the table and is preferablyturned rearwardly at an angle to the main or top portion of the lever.This end engages an angular slot 102, correspondingly arranged in alever 103, which occupies a horizontal position beneath the table 1 andis in approximately parallel position with relation to the main plungermeollanism. This lever 103 has its inner end pivotally connected withthe under side of the table, as at 104, while its other end is pivotallyconnected, as at 105, with an outwardlyprojecting arm 106, having anangular slot ICO IOS

IIO

it. I r

107 in its other end. The slots 102 and 107 are relatively arranged atan angle to each other, as clearly shown in Fig. 5, and withinV the slot107 operates a pin 108, carried upon a lever 109, which is fulcrulnedupon the under side of the table, as at 110, and is arranged inapproximately parallel relation to the lever 103. The free inner end ofthe lever 109 carries an upwardly-projecting finger or stud'11l, whichprojects through a segmental slot 112, intersecting a slot 113 in thelower edge of the hinged leaf 3. When in normal position, the projectingfinger 111 is just within the plane of the front face of said hingedleaf. A coiled spring 111 is arranged between the table or platform andthe ejector-lever 109, connecting with the latte-r at a point betweenits fulcrum and the inner free end to return said lever to normalposition. Pins or studs 115 may be provided upon the under side of thetable to limit the movement of the pivoted arm 106.

In the operation of the ejector mechanism the downstroke of the plungerwill be completed, as will also the ensuing movements of theflap-moistening, stamp-m oistening, sta mp feed and afiixing, andsealing mechanisms, without moving the ejector-lever 109; but when theplunger mechanism engages the hinged sealing-leaf mechanism and duringthe operation of the latteras the downwardlyprojecting end 10Q movesforwardljT said end 100 will travel in the slot 102 until it engages thefront end of said slot, when it will operate the lever 103 to force thepivoted arm 106 toward the end of the machine, during which operationsaid pivoted arm 106-will slide upon the pin 109 a distance equal to thelength of its slot 107, and the end 100 and pin 108 will pass into theangular ends of their respective slots 102 and 107. This relativeposition is reached just as the sealing hinged leaf 3 reaches itslimitof downward movement, and immediately as thehinged leaf rises upwardlyby action of the spring 98 the end 100 and pin 108 in the angular endsof their respective slots 102 and 1'07 draw upon the lever 103 andpivoted arm 106 and cause the ejector-lever 109 to describe a swingingline of movement against the function of its spring 114, during whichmovement the upwardly-projecting finger 111 moves outwardlyin thesegmental slot 112 and ejects the sealed and stamped envelop from thesurface of the table 1. As soon as the end 100 and the pin 108 pass fromthe angular ends of their respective slots 102 and 107 intothe main wingof said slots the ejector-lever 109 is released and immediately fliesback to normal position by action of its 109 is quick and positive inboth directionsy by reason of the spring connections which govern itsmovement, and thus while the sealing hinged flap 3 is returning tonormal position the ejector-lever 109 operates in a quick outward andinward movement and is returned to normal position simultaneously withthe hinged leaf and ready for operation upon another envelop.

It` will be understood that the lever 103 and pivoted arm 100 conjointlyform a toggle-joint connection between the table or platform and theejector-lever 109, this toggle mechanism being in connection at itsintermediate joint or pivot with the lever 95,'by which it is operated.

The operation and advantages of my invention will be readily understoodfrom the foregoing description when taken in connection with the annexeddrawings. 'The machine combines in compact and convenient form acomplete mechanism, which by a single movement of the main plunger oroperating device will actuate in proper simultaneous or successive orderdevices for moisten# ingthe back face of the envelop in prepara' tionfor sealing the flap, for moistening the corner of the front face inpreparation for afiixing the stamps, for feeding the stamps, forseparating and affixing the stamps, for sealing the Hap, and forejecting the sealed and stamped envelop, the complete operation beingautomatic and all the mechanisms being respectively and relativelyreturned to normal position on the return stroke ofthe main plunger oroperating mechanism. In the complete operation as thus set forth whileall the mechanisms are interrelated and coact the construction andarrangement are such that the direct operation of the separatemechanisms is performed at different times and in proper Sequence, itbeing understood that the flap-moistening mechanism will first move inits operation. Then at a proper relative point the stamp-moisteningmechanism moves, while at the same time the stamp is fed into position,and then when the moistening and feeding devices have finished theirrespective operations the stamp-aflixing plunger and Hap-sealingmechanism simultaneously operate, and as the sealing and stampafxingmechanism is returned to normal position the ejector mechanism operates.

Having fully described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent-- l. An envelop stamping and sealing machine,comprisinga vertically-operating main plunger mechanism, a Hap-sealingmechanism, a moistening mechanism having a line of travel longitudinallyin a cross-swing with relation to the iiapsealing mechanism, amoistening mechanism adapted to operate with relation to one corner ofthe envelop, and a stamp feeding and aflixing mechanism, all of saidmechanisms having lever connections with the main plunger mechanismwhereby they are relatively operated, substantially as and for thepurpose set forth.

2. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising avertically-operating plun- Ico ger mechanism, a vertically-operatingapsealing mechanism, horizontally-operating moistening mechanism havinga cross-swing or line of travel with relation to said Hapsealingmechanism and with respect to opposite sides of the envelop, avertically-operating stamp feeding andafiixing mechanism, and verticaland horizontal lever-joint connections between said mechanisms and thevertically operating plunger mechanism, whereby all of said mechanismsare operated in their respective different movements by one stroke ofthe main plunger mechanism, substantially as shown and described.

3. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a series ofmoistening, stamping and sealing mechanisms, a main operating mechanismcommon to all, and connecting-levers extending between the series ofoperative mechanisms and the main operating mechanism, said levershaving sliding joint connections operating in curved or angular planes,whereby said operative mechanisms are simultaneously operated in arelatively successive movement, substantially as and for the purpose setforth.

4. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, com prsinga platform ortable, a vertically-operating plunger mechanism mounted above said tableand projecting therethrough, a moistening and sealin g mechanismarranged above the table and adapted to operate in a horizontal swingingmovement and with respect to one face of the envelop when the latter islaid upon the table, a moistening and stamp-aixing mechanism operatingfrom beneath and through said table with respect to the opposite face ofthe envelop, and lever mechanisms connecting said respective operatingmechanisms with the main plunger mechanism above and below the table,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

5. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a platform ortable, a vertically-operating plunger mechanism mounted upon andprojecting through said table, a horizontally-moving moisteningmechanism adapted to travel above said table, and lon gitudinally acrossthe flap-surface of an envelop laid upon the table, and having leverconnections with the main plunger mechanism above the table, aflap-sealing mechanism arranged above the table and adapted to beoperated by the main plunger mechanism, a horizontally-operatingmoistening mechanism having leverconnections .with the main plungermechanism and adapted to move in a slot or opening in the table, and astamp feeding and affixing mechanism arranged beneath the table andoperating through aslot or opening therein and having lever connectionsextending beneath the table to the lower projecting portion of the mainplunger mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

6. An envelop stamping and moistening mechanism, comprising avertically-operating main plunger mechanism embodying two plunger-rods,a horizontally-operating moistening mechanism having lever connectionswith one of said plunger-rods, a vertically-operating sealing mechanismhaving lever connections adapted to be operated by the same plunger-rod,a horizontally-operating Incistening mechanism arranged with relation to-the other moistening mechanism and having lever connections with thesame plunger-rod, a vertically-operating stamp feeding and allxingmechanism having lever connections with the other plu nger-rod, wherebythe respective mechanisms are all operated by one stroke of the mainplunger mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

7. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a table orplatform, a vertically-operating plunger mechanism projecting throughopenings in said table and elnbodying two plunger-rods, ahorizontally-operating moistening mechanism having slotted joint-leverconnections with one of said plunger-rods, a flap-sealing mechanismhaving lever connections adapted to be operated bythe same plunger-rod,a horizontally-operating moistenin g mechanism arranged with relation tothe other moistening mechanism and moving in a slot or opening in thetable and having slotted joint-lever connections with the sameplunger-rod, and a vertically-operating stamp feeding and aliixingmechanism operating from beneath and through the opening in said tableand having slotted lever connections extending beneath the table to theother plunger-rod, whereby all of said respective mechanisms aresimultaneously operated in a relatively successive movement by onestroke of the main plunger mechanism, substantially as and for thepurpose set forth.

8. In a machine of the class described, a moistening device adapted toltravel over the face of an envelop, a horizontally swinging levercarrying said moistening device, a vertically-arranged bell-crank leverhaving a sliding bearing connection at its foot at the inner end of saidcarrying-lever in a transverse plane with relation to the plane of theswinging movement of the latter, and a verticallyoperating plungerhaving a sliding bearing connection with the other arm of saidbell-crank lever, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. In a lnachine of the class described, a table or platform, a sealingmechanism comprising a leaf hinged at one edge to the table or platformand projecting vertically therefrom and adapted to fold downwardly uponthe face of the table, in combination with an operating-lever, aconnecting-arm having one end pivoted to said lever and its other endpivoted to the side of said hinged leaf, and means for operating saidlever to force the leaf over in its downward swing upon its hinge,substantially as and. for the purpose set forth.

l0. In a machine of the class described, a sealing mechanism comprisinga leaf hinged IOO IlO

to a table or platform, in combination with a lever having a shoulderorvprojection, a connecting-arm pivoted to said lever and having its endpivoted to the rear side of the hinged leaf, and a vertically-operatingplunger mechanism adapted to engage said shoulder or projection,substantiallyas and for the purpose set forth.

11. In a machine of the class described, the combination witha table orplatform, a leaf project-ing vertically therefrom and having its loweredge hinged to said table, and means for operating the leaf to fold itover downwardly against the face of the table, of a moistening deviceadapted to travel longitudinally in front of and with relation to saidhinged leaf, and in the plane of its downward swing, and means forcarrying said moistening device in its operative movement, substantiallyas and for the purpose set forth.

l12. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with a tableor platform, a leaf projecting vertically therefrom and having its loweredge hinged to said table whereby the leaf is adapted to fold downwardlyagainst the face of the table, of a moistening device adapted to travellongitudinally in front of and with relation to said hinged leaf and inthe plane of its downward swing, operating mechanisms extendingrespectively from the moistening device and the hinged leaf, and-a mainoperating mechanism successively and respectively engaging themechanisms of the moistening device and hinged'leaf, whereby when themoistening device has been carried past the leaf, thelatter is thrown inits downward movement, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.'`

13. A machine of the class described, comprising a hinged scali ng-leaf,a moistening device adapt-ed to travel longitudinally in front of thesame, a lever carrying said moistening device, and traveling above thehinged leaf, a bell -crank lever vertically arranged and having anelongated bearing connection at its foot with the rear end ot' saidswinging lever, an independently-mounted lever having a' shoulder orprojection, an arm pivotally connected with said independent lever andhaving its other end pivotally connected with the hinged leaf, and aplunger mechanism having a lateral pin moving in an elongated bearing int-he bell-crank lever and adapted to engage the projection upon theindependent lever, whereby the moistening and sealing flap devices aresuccessively operated, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

14E. In a machine of the class described, a moistening mechanismembodying a horizontally-operating lever carrying a pad at its outerend, a vertically-arranged bell-crank lever, a pivoted connecting-armextending between the lower arm of the bell-crank lever and thehorizontal lever and having an angular elongated bearing connection withthe latter, and an operating-plunger having an elongated bearingconnection with the top armof the bell-crank lever, substantially as andfor the purpose set forth.

15. In a machine ofthe class described, connprising a table having aslot or opening, the combination with a moistening reservoir mechanismarranged at one end of said opening and beneath the same, of amoistening mechanism embodying an arm or lever having its outer endmoving in said opening and carryin pad projecting above and below itsend, whereby the lower projecting portion of said pad is adapted to befed by contact with the reservoir moistening mechanism and theprojecting top portion ot' said pad is adapted to contact with the undersurface of an envelop placed upon said table and over said opening,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

16. In a machine of the class described, comprising a table or platformhaving a slot or opening, moistening mechanisms respectively i arrangedto operate in a horizontal and relatively parallel line of travel abovesaid table and a similar line of travel in the slot or opening beneathsaid table, said moistening devices correspondingly operating in alongitudinal swing or movement in linewith the respective faces of thetable and an envelop placed upon the table with respect to the slot oropening will be moistencd on both its upper and under surface,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

17. In a machine of the class described, the, combination with a levercarrying a moistening device adapted to travel over one face of theenvelop, of a similar lever comprising a moistening device adapted totravel over the opposite face of the envelop, said levers having a lineof travel in parallel planes, and means for correlatively operating saidlevers, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

v1S. In a machine of the class described, comprising a lower horizontallever carrying an upwardly-projecting moistening-pad at its outer end,an upper horizontal lever carrying a downwardly-projectingmoistening-pad at at its outer end, said pads being adapted torespectively operate upon dierent faces of an envelop and being arrangedto contact when the said upper and lower mechanisms are in normalposition, whereby the upper pad is moistened from the lower pad,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

19. A machine of the class described, comprisin g a horizon tallowerlever carrying an u pwardly-proj ectin g moistening-pad, ahorizontal top lever carrying a moistening device embodyin g adownwardly-proj ectin g pad,a vertically-arran ged bell-crank leverhaving a tra-nskverse elongated bearing connection at its foot with therear end of said top lever, a pivoted connecting-arm extending from thelower arm of the bell-crank lever to the said lower hori- Zontal leverand having an angular elongated bearin g connection with the latter, andmeans for operating said bell-crank lever, substantially asand for thepurpose set forth.

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20. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with areservoir having feeding devices, of an absorbent moistening-pad adaptedto contact with said feeding devices, an absorbent moislening-padarranged with relation to and adapted to contact with said firstabsorbent pad, whereby said pads are respectively fed from the reservoirby said relative contacts, and mechanisms for independently carrying andoperating said pads in their respective functions, substantially as andfor the purpose set forth.

2l. An envelop stamping and sealing machille, comprising a platform ortable having a slot or opening, a hinged sealing-leaf mounted upon saidtable and operating with respect to said slot or opening, a moisteningdevice arranged to travel in a longitudinal plane in front of saidhinged leaf and above the table, a moisiening device arranged to .travelbelow the top plane of the table so that it will project upwardly withrelation to the opening therein, and a vertically-operating plungermechanism for carrying and aliixing the stamp, said plunger beingarranged to operate upwardly through said opening in the table and withrelation to the downward movement of the hinged leaf, and mechanism forrelatively operating said moistenin g, sealing, and stamp-allixingdevices in their respective movement, said machine being adapted toreceive the envelop between the sealingleaf and stamp-aixin g plungerand between the respective upper and lower moistening devices,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

22. In a machine of the class described, an ejector mechanism comprisinga lever having an ejector end or finger, a lever carrying a pivoted armhaving an elongated angular' bearing connection with the ejector-lever,spring mechanismfor governing the action of the ejector-lever, andmechanism for operating the lever carrying the pivoted arm,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

23. In a machine of the class described, an ejector mechanism comprisinga lever having an ejector end or finger, a lever carrying a pivoted armhaving an angular elongated bearing connection with the ejector-lever,spring mechanism for governing the action of the ejector-lever, and alever comprised in an operating mechanism and having an elongatedbearing connection with the lever carrying the pivoted arm,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

24. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a hingedleaf forming a sealing and guide device, of an ejector mechanismembodying a projecting end or finger operating with respect to saidhinged leaf, and vmechanism for conjointly operating the hinged leaf andejector mechanism in a relatively successive movement, substantially asand for the purpose set forth.

25. A machine of the class described, comprising a hinged sealing-leaf,a lever mechanism for operating the same, an ejector-lever having anejector end or finger operating with relation to said hinged leaf, asupplementary lever having an elongated bearing connection with thelever for operating the hinged leaf, an arm pivoied to saidsupplementary lever and having an angular elongated bearing connectionwith the ejector-lever, and spring mechanism for governing the action ofsaid lever mechanisms, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2G. A machine of the class described, comprising a table or platform, ahinged leaf mou'ntcd thereon, an operating-lever projecting through anopening in said table, a connection-arm pivotally extending between saidhinged leaf and the operating-lever, an ejector-lever mounted beneaththe table in approximately longitudinal position with relation to thehinged leaf and havingl an upwardly-projecting end or linger moving in asegmental slot in the table with relation to said hinged leaf, asupplementary lever having an elongated bearing connection with saidoperating-lever and arranged in approximately parallel position withrelation to the ejector-lever and beneath the table, an arm pivoted tothe supplementarylever and having an elongated bearing connection withthe ejector-lever at a point beyond the fulcrum of the latter, andspring mechanism for governing the operation of said lever devices,whereby the main operating-lever actuates both the hinged lever and theejector mechanism in a relatively successive movement, substantially asand for the purpose set forth.

27. In a machine of the class described,com prising a table or platformupon which the envelop is adapted to be placed, a spring-actuatedejector mechanism embodying an ejector-lever having a swinging movementbeneath the table and carrying an ejector end or finger projectingupwardly through a segmental slot in said table and adapted tooperatively engage the envelop, substantially as and for the purpose setforth.

28. In a machine ofthe class described,com prising a table or platform,the combination, with a hinged sealing-leaf mounted upon said table, ofan ejector mechanism embodying a lever arranged beneath said table inapproximately longitudinal position with relation to the hinged leaf andhaving an ejector end or finger projecting upwardly through a slot oropening in the table and adapted to travel to and from said hinged leaf,and mechanism for operating said hinged leaf and ejector-lever in arelative movement, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

29. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a suitable tableor support, a vertically-operating plunger mechanism, a flapmoisteningmechanism operating in a horizontal plane at right angles to the planeof movement of the vertically-operatingplunger mechanism, means forfeeding and affixing the stamp, the stamping device for seal- IOO IIO

ing the flap and mechanism for ejecting the stamped and sealed envelop,all of said parts being in operative connection with the main plungermechanism whereby they are relatively operated by one stroke of thelatter, substantially as shown and described.

30. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a suitableltable or support, a longitudinally-arranged flap-sealing mechanism, amoistening device adapted to swing crosswise of the line of movement ofthe iiapsealing mechanism and in front thereof, a

moistening device adapted to operate in connection with one end of saidnap-sealing mechanism, a stamp feeding and aflixing'mechanism adapted tooperate in connection with said moisteningdevice and means for operating,said parts,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

3l. An envelop stamping and sealingmachine, comprising a suitable tableor support,

a vertically-operating plungermechani'sm, a vertically-operatingVHap-sealing mechanism, horizontally-operating devices which operate inconnection with said sealing mechanism, a vertically-operating stampfeeding and afliXing mechanism, and'vertical and horizontal lever-jointconnections between-said mechanisms and the vertically-operating plungermechanism, whereby all of said mechanismsv and devices are operated intheir respective different movements;k by one stroke of kthe mainplunger mechanism, substantially a shown and described. 4 32. An envelopstamping and sealing machine, comprisinga suitable table or supportYprovided with mechanism for moistening one end of t-he envelop,mechanism for sealing the flap, devices for moistening the oppositesurface of the envelop, mechanism for feeding and afiXing the stamp,'mechanismfor ejecting the stamped and sealed envelop and devices foroperating said mechanisms and the i chine, comprising a suitable tableor support, a vertically movable plunger mechanism mounted above saidtable and projecting therethrongh,devices formoistenin g and sealing theenvelop arranged above the table and adapted to operatelongitudinallythereof, de-v vices for moisten'ing and afixing the stamp supportedbeneath and operating through said table and lever mechanisms connectingsaid devices with the main plunger mechanism above and below the table,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

y 35. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a suitabletable or support, a vertically operating plunger mechanism mounted uponland projecting through said table, a horizontally-movable moisteningdevice adapted to operate above said table and to .move horizontallyacross/the flap-surface of the envelop, and having lever connectionswith the main plunger mechanism above the table, a nap-sealing devicearranged above the table and adapted to be operated by the plungermechanism, horizontally-operating moistening devices having leverconnections` with the main plunger mechanism and adapted to move in aslot or openingin the table, and stamp feeding and aftixing devicesarranged beneath the`table and operating through an i slot or openingtherein, and operating-levers extending beneath the table and connectingsaid devices and the main plunger mechanism, substantially as shown anddescribed.

36. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising'a suitable tableor support, a main plunger mechanism, a series of moistening and stampaflxing and sealing devices in direct operative connection with saidplunger mechanism whereby they are simultaneously operated by a singledownward movement of said plunger mechanism, and spring devicesconnected with said main plunger mechanism and operating to return thelatter to its normal position and with it the connected set of operativedevices, substantially as shown and described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed myname, in presence of the subscribing Witnesses, this 29th day ofNovember, 1897'.

g LAURIrs M. NIELsnN.

Witnesses:

L. M. MULLER, A. C. MCLOUGHLIN.

